Staymen Winesaps at Willowbrook Apple Farm

We have made quite the tradition of going to Willowbrook Apple Farm in the fall and picking our own Staymen Winesap Apples from their small orchard of 100 year old trees. 

I can't believe it's been a year since we went in 2011. This year is literally flying by...

 The orchard is perfect. It's shady, there are trees surrounding the main house. You can visit Comet the miniature horse, Blossom the pig, the chicken coop or Floppy the GIANT rabbit. The crop was abundant this year so apples were right in arms reach for little ones. They enjoy spying the perfect apple and then adding it to their bag.

This is our fourth year coming to Willowbrook. Click HERE to see our trip in 2010

Caramel Apples. So Tasty!

 When we first arrive, you can sample apples, caramel, honey, and cider all made on the property. Only a few people at a time are admitted so you never feel overwhelmed or crowded as you wander through Willowbrook. You choose which size bag you would like to fill and then listen to instructions on how to properly pick them. No pulling, just twisting them off the branch.

 Taking their picture in this grove lets me see how fast they grow. It's too fast. Most definitely. I love bringing them back here every year.

 Glad my little shutterbug is learning how to use my cameras. I normally only allow him to shoot on my back up (Canon Rebel Xt) but I had my "big" camera with me today. He noticed that it was much heavier and did a great job snapping pics of Me and Mr. B.

Backbends in the orchard.

 

He has my heart.

So do they. 

Just for giggles... Since I wasn't blogging efficiantly then... I went to my myspace (OMG who remembers myspace!?) and found these pics of our first time at Willowbrook.

 

Willowbrook in 2008

Takin it back a notch... called out

So, although I hardly EVER go on my myspace anymore I wanted to take a look a the blog I kept on there. It's like reading old journal entries (who doesn't love to do that!) and glimpsing back in time a bit. I've decided to post old blogs on here over the course of the next few months or so as part of a series i'm calling :Takin' it back a notch: so... here's the first.

Originally posted October 18, 2007

called out
Current mood: hopeful
Category: Life

So here's a quick something...

I'm soo incredibly fortunate. I have a great family and a huge support system. My son is a happy, healthy, intelligent, at times quite obnoxious, awesome little kid. I think that a huge part of what defines our character is humility. It's a trait that is slowly being lost because we're not teaching it to our children. Everyone is taught that being the best is important and that you're only good when you're better than someone else. Our world is in constant comparison. There is no value placed on the humble because it's too commonly associated with weakness.

I am sooo over it. I know that I'm in a good place and that is all that matters to me. It's all that should matter to me. Too often we are so worried about how other people are doing in their lives and it tends to consume, leaving us no time to focus on the things that are truly important in our own lives. I found myself judging without even understanding all of the circumstances and I'm embarrassed. I still don't know those circumstances but I'm embarrassed that I let it take up precious time in my day and of how selfish and petty my thoughts were. I'm calling myself out. My bad.

There are a whole lotta folks out there that don't have it as good as I, or even you, do. And I think it wise to remember that. Be grateful for what we do have as opposed to what we don't have. Whatever happened to being truly happy and proud of people that we know for all of their accomplishments instead of being jealous and bitter. It shows. We might think that we can ride the wave with the fakeness but people can tell when you're really happy for them and when you're lying.

A few things to live by...
If you don't mean it, don't say it.
You can hear a smile in your voice.
If you won't give the guy on the corner a buck, at least look him in the eye. Don't pretend he isn't there.
Say "Bless You" when you hear a sneeze.
Hold the door open for a stranger sometimes.
Say "Thank You" when ANYone does something for you.
Tip at least 20% if you never see the bottom of your glass.
Remember that what goes around, comes around... And it will always come around.

It's been a contemplative kind of evening.